“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 8-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, a passionate woman who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants walk again after losing their legs in landmine incidents.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Mines Action Canada is thrilled to partner with One World Film Festival to bring “The Eyes of Thailand” to Canada during the 20th anniversary of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Paul Hannon, Executive Director said “This film demonstrates the indiscriminate nature of landmines and how in mine affected areas no one is safe until all the mines are cleared. Windy Borman graduated from our Youth Leaders training in 2010 during the filming of ‘The Eyes of Thailand’ and now that the film is finished we’re very excited to help One World Film Festival and Windy share this story with Canadians.”

Borman became involved in the landmine issue after meeting Soraida, Mosha and Motala in Thailand and seeing their journey from landmine victims to survivors. “Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with Canada – a country known for its leadership in the movement to ban landmines. I hope the film will serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done to eradicate landmines so that all beings can walk without fear” said Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States and the “Best Documentary” Jury Award from the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. Salwala received the “Best Heroine in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012.

‘THE EYES OF THAILAND’ SETS SIGHTS FOR WORLD PREMIERE AT THE NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL

Ashley Judd has joined the award-winning doc “The Eyes of Thailand” as the film’s narrator. From “Dolphin Tale” to Elephant Landmine Survivors, Judd has a special love for animals with prostheses.

Los Angeles, CA (April 3, 2012) – D.V.A. Productions, in Association with Indiewood Pictures, is proud to announce theworld premiere of “The Eyes of Thailand” at the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF). The Film will screen as an official selection Saturday, April 28th, 2012 at 6:30pm at Triangle Square Cinemas (1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA). There will be a second screening on Tuesday, May 1st at 6:00pm. Tickets are available at <www.newportbeachfilmfest.com>. Special guests include Director/Producer Windy Borman and Producer Tim VandeSteeg.

“We are very excited to present the beautiful documentary, The Eyes of Thailand, at this year’s Festival! It is quite satisfying to be able to bring important stories to our community and raise awareness”, said Erik Forssell, Director of Programming of the Newport Beach Film Festival.

“The Eyes of Thailand”, directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg, tells the heart warming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, a passionate woman who dedicated ten years of her life to help give two Asian elephants a second chance to walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

Actress and wildlife and environmental activist Ashley Judd lends her voice to the powerful and award-winning documentary.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States. Jonny Vasic, Director of the ACE program says, “The Eyes of Thailand is an inspiring and unique documentary that will open up hearts and minds about the amazing veterinary work being performed at the Asian Elephant hospital.”

The elephant stars of the film have been capturing the hearts of people worldwide and were featured in the December 2011 issue of National Geographic and Yahoo’s 2011 “Year in Review” video.

“When I met Soraida, Mosha and Motala in 2007, I knew I discovered an untold story that I needed to share with the world. Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with the world!,” said Director/Producer Windy Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is a story that embodies heart, courage and compassion to make a real difference and improve the lives of others, no matter whatever obstacles stand in your way,” said producer Tim VandeSteeg.